US women's basketball routs Canada 81-51, clinches Group B

Published 12:23 pm, Friday, August 12, 2016

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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United States forward Maya Moore makes a layup during the first half of a women's basketball game against Canada at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

United States forward Maya Moore makes a layup during the first half of a women's basketball game against Canada at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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United States forward Seimone Augustus controls the ball after running into Canada guard Kim Gaucher (8) during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

United States forward Seimone Augustus controls the ball after running into Canada guard Kim Gaucher (8) during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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Canada guard Kim Gaucher pulls down a rebound during the first half of a women's basketball game against the United States at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

Canada guard Kim Gaucher pulls down a rebound during the first half of a women's basketball game against the United States at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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United States forward Seimone Augustus, center, rallies the team before the first half of a women's basketball game against Canada at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

United States forward Seimone Augustus, center, rallies the team before the first half of a women's basketball game against Canada at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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United States guard Elena Delle Donne passes the ball during the first half of a women's basketball game against Canada at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

United States guard Elena Delle Donne passes the ball during the first half of a women's basketball game against Canada at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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United States guard Sue Bird (6) brings the ball up court during the first half of a women's basketball game against Canada at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

United States guard Sue Bird (6) brings the ball up court during the first half of a women's basketball game against Canada at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio

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United States center Brittney Griner shoots while defended by Canada forward Miranda Ayim during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) less

United States center Brittney Griner shoots while defended by Canada forward Miranda Ayim during the first half of a women's basketball game at the Youth Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, ... more

The U.S. won its 45th straight Olympic game after a sloppy start where the Americans (4-0) had their two lowest scoring quarters in Rio. They led only 18-16 after the first quarter and only could match that total in the second.

Yet the U.S. led 36-22 at halftime after forcing Canada into 15 turnovers and limiting the Canadians to one made field goal in the second quarter. Diana Taurasi also had 12 points, and Tina Charles added 10.

After losing to the Americans by 40 in a pre-Olympic exhibition contest, Canada (3-1) came in with its first ever undefeated start in the games. Kia Nurse, who plays at UConn for U.S. coach Geno Auriemma, was 1-of-9 and finished with just three points.